Author Topic: Why did my 6.2L quit?  (Read 2829 times)

Offline K35Humvee

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Why did my 6.2L quit?
« on: September 12, 2006, 09:12:00 pm »
I confess, I don't know jack about diesel tech! I was taking my new '83 C20 to get the emissions done today when the motor started loping while idling. After a little bit of this it died. It started right back up though and I kept the rpm's up every time I had to stop after that. I decided to go back home. At this point the motor just didn't want to accelerate from a stop but it gained power slowly until it seemed to be fine again - IT'S ALIVE! But it died right in front of my house and hasn't started since.

It seems like the motor isn't getting fuel. I tried switching tanks as I was driving but it didn't seem to matter. I loosened the petcocks on the water/fuel seperator and let some fluid out but that did nothing. I don't even know where the fuel filter is yet! Does anybody have any ideas? What should I do now? Thanks...


Offline Mr Diesel

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6.2
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2006, 12:11:00 am »
If everything is stock under your hood you should have two filters. One large filter on the passenger side of the firewall that is a primary filter plus a water seperator. This should be the one you loosened the petcock on. There may also be a smaller filter located on the intake manifold between intake and the firewall. It is kind of hidden underneath the air filter housing. This is your secondary, finer filter.

I would start by replacing both filters. make sure you fill the filters with as much fuel as possible before you tighten them on; air in the fuel system is very hard to bleed out if you still have the stock mechanical fuel pump. You may already have a lot of air in the system, so expect it to be hard to restart.

While you have the primary filter off, have someone crank the engine while you look for fuel flow. It should be obvious.

Another thing to look for is old fuel lines that have sagged or cracked and are restricting fuel flow.  

- Mr Diesel
'76 C30 Crew 6.2

Edited by: Mr Diesel at: 9/12/06 11:18 pm
1976 C20 Crewcab, 6.2L/SM465
1982 K30 Crewcab , 427TD/TH400
1983 C30, 6.2L/TH400
1983 K30 Crewcab 454/700R4
1986 K10 350/400. 1989 K30 cab/chassis 454/SM465

Offline K35Humvee

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  • Posts: 12
Re: 6.2
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2006, 12:52:00 pm »
Hey, thanks for the reply. I have been away from the site for a while and never knew anyone replied to my question. I have purchased new filters but haven't had a chance to install them - you gave some good tips, I appreciate it. I'll do what you suggest and post my findings.